City of Alexandria,

PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION

Regular Meeting Thursday, October 19, 2017 7 p.m.

Mt. Vernon Recreation Center 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Alexandria, VA 22305

AGENDA

I. Call to Order: Jennifer Atkins, Chair

II. Public Comments – non-agenda items

III. Presentations: a. Natural Resources Management Plan Update Bob Williams, Division Chief, Natural Resources, Park Operations b. Potomac Yard Metro Station & DC2RVA High Speed Train Bethany Znidersic, Principal Planner, Park Planning

IV. Items for Action: a. Approval of Minutes: July 20, 2017 Minutes b. Approval of Minutes: September 19, 2017 Minutes

V. Project Updates/Information a. Beverley Park Playground b. Court Renovations c. Patrick Henry K-8 School & Recreation Center d. Waterfront Projects

VI. Director’s Report

VII. Division Updates: Recreation Services; Park Operations; Park Planning, CIP & Marina

VIII. Commission Reports (verbal reports by District)

IX. November Meeting Items – Working Draft Attached

X. December Commission Retreat – December 9 @ 9 am (Tentative)

XI. Next Meeting: November 16, 2017 – Charles Houston Recreation Center

XII. Adjournment

City of Alexandria, Virginia

MEMORANDUM

DATE: OCTOBER 19, 2017

TO: PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBERS

FROM: WILLIAM CHESLEY, DEPUTY DIRECTOR WC RECREATION SERVICES DI VISION

SUBJECT: RECREATION PROGRAMS AND SERVICES REPORT – ITEM VII

Program Wrap-Ups

 On September 11, Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center remembered the First Responders and those who lost their lives to the terrorist attacks of 2001 by placing flags, ribbons and patriotic pinwheels around the grounds of the Lee Center. Staff and afterschool program participants discussed diversity, acceptance, and respect for one another. Everyone took a pledge to work towards positive goals, educate each other, accept each other’s differences, and respect each other.

 As part of the Annual Doggie Day Swims, the Itty Bitty Doggie Dive took place on September 15 at Charles Houston’s Memorial Pool for small dogs 25 pounds and unde r. The Big Dog Day Swim was held on September 16 at Oldn Tow Pool for dogs of all breeds and sizes. These annual events provide dogs the opportunity to swim and play in the City’s pools. The events included 267 dogs, almost equal to the participation of 2016 at 274 dogs. The Chinquapin Advisory Council coordinated volunteers and received a $1500 donation from the event sponsor, Your DogsF Best riends.

 The Robust Walk-a-Thon took place on September 26 at Ben Brenman Park. Special guest instructors included representatives from the Alexandria Fire Department and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Department and other instructors who showed participants how to weave low-intensity exercises oint a walk and use environmental objects as exercise props to gain balance, strength, agility, flexibility and endurance. The event was presented by

1 RPCA, the Successful Aging Committee, DCHS’ Aging & Adult Services, ARHA and Senior Services of Alexandria.

 On October 7, RPCA partnered with Alexandria Kiwanis for its annual Kiwanis Kids Fishing Day. Approximatly 35 Out of School Time Program participants, along with their parents and Kiwantis Club volunteers, visited Lake Accotink for a morning of fishing. All children, volunteers and staff participated in an educa tional session on the rules of the park, interacting with fish and animals, and fishing safety. Fishing pros and novices alike all had a great time.

 This fall, the Fee Classes and Camps section acquired a new contractor, Go Bananas Dancing. This season the contractor offered 3 ballet classes including Pre-Ballet, Mommy & Me, and Tap n’ Ballet. Each class met its registration goal generating a combined $3,410.

 2017 Market Rate Summer Camps showed an overall 8% increase in revenue over 2016, resulting in an additional $31,536. Although 2017 Alex Fun Camp regsistration and revenue are lower than 2016, Gap Camp and Sports Camp revenue alone totalled $87,108, an increase of 9% over the previous summer. The market rate summer camp breakdowns follow:

All Market Rate Summer Camps

2016 2017 % Increase

Participants Enrolled 2,006 2,141 7%

FY Camp Revenue $379,203 $410,739 8%

Alex Fun Camps

2016 2017 % Increase

Participants Enrolled 1,232 1,172 N/A

Camp Revenue $148,545 $152,985 3%

Alex Fun Camps include Alex Day, Sports, Gap and CIT Camps, and before and after care.

Program Updates

2 Out of School Time FY15 through FY18 Summer/School Year Participant and Revenue Comparison

FY-18 FY-17 FY-17 FY-16 FY-15 FY-18 FY-17 FY-16 YTD School YTD School Actuals Actuals Actuals Summer Summer Summer Year Year School School School 2017 2016 2015 17-18 16-17 Year Year Year YTD Actual Actual 09-30-17 09-30-16 16-17 15-16 14-15 08-31-17

Program $445 $429 $429 $415 $415 $315/$325 $300/$315 $125/$300 Fee (as of 7/1) (as of 7/1) (as of 7/1) Satisfaction TBD 94% 94% 90% 92% TBD 90% 90% % report Registration 1,095 1,076 1,222 1,201 1,194 981 1,036 1,352 # OSTP $313,139* $285,290 $375,103* $356,179 $353,851 $224,335* $214,642* $130,750 Revenue Fee $92,765 $102,038 $129,174 $125,208 $125,146 $71,715 $81,088 $41,060 Assistance (Discounts) Full Fees $478,669 $460,227 $523,008 $500,530* $497,338* $310,765 $311,680 $174,060 *Fees paid in installments.

 American Red Cross Learn to Swim programs are essential to the water safety of the community. The start of the Fall enrollment includes 733 participants, in 185 class offerings generating $80,471 in revenues. Last year, the end of season totals included 856 participants, in 223 class offerings generating 89,502.

 Summer Outdoor pool operations were extended to compensate for the growing demand, expanding programs and rentals, and a week-long maintenance closure of the Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility. The Wahoo Swim team had record participation with 195 registered with $24,900 in revenues compared to 2016 registration of 170 generating $23,753. Combined admission revenues in 2017 are $58,660 compared $58,465 in 2016. Rental revenues recorded $8,850 in 2017, up from $6,922 in 2016.

 On September 19, William Ramsay Recreation Center started their Positive Females in Motion program . Similar to Positive Men in Motion, this program is designed to focus on making positive decisions through adolescence into young adulthood, and improving self-esteem. The year-long program is open to teenage girls, and is held every Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m.

3  On October 13, the City of Alexandria celebrated Bully Free Unity Day by wearing green to show their support of the Mayor’s “Bully Free Starts with Me” Campaign. In recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month, Recreation Services is hosting a series of activities throughout October to he lp identify, respond to, and prevent bullying. For a complete list of activities, visit alexandriava.gov/EndBull ying.

Upcoming Events  Halloween Spirit Weeks begin Friday, October 20. Many recreation centers are offering safe ways to celebrate Halloween with friends in your neighborhood. o Friday, October 20  Floating Pumpkin Patch – Visit Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility 6-8 p.m. to dive in and pick your own real pumpkin from the pool, then decorate it. Other themed fun will include swimming, a floating obstacle course, and Halloween treats. Ages 3-12 with adult, $9 per person.  Family Fall Festival – Enjoy pumpkin painting, bingo and cookie decorating at Charles Barrett Recreation Center 6-8 p.m. All ages are welcome. $5 per person.

4 o Friday, October 27  October Fest – Visit William Ramsay Recreation Center 4:30-8:30 p.m., and enjoy the Haunted House of Screams, arts and crafts, spooky musical chairs and more! Ages 5-12, $7 per person.  Family Masquerade Ball – Visit Mount Vernon Recreation Center 6-9 p.m. and enjoy dancing, photo opportunitie s, a costume contest and refreshments. All ages welcome. $9 per person.  Fright Night – Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center’s bootiful evening of fun with zombies and goblins roaming the haunted House will take place 6:30-8:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. $5 pe r person.

o Saturday, October 28  Pumpkin Carving – Visit the Nature Center and learn surprising facts about pumpkins as you carve your very own to take home just in time for Halloween. This event is 10:30am – 12pm, and is for ages 6-11 with adult, $15 per person.  Family Flashlight Trick or Treat – Bring your flashlight, costumes and candy bags, and make your way to Chinquapin Park to find treats! This event is 6:30-8:30pm, and all ages are welcome. $9 per person. o Tuesday, October 31  Trunk or Treat Block Party – this free event is for children 12 and under along with their family can enjoy Halloween themed activities and treats while jamming with a live DJ at Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center 6:30-8:30 p.m.

 On October 20, Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center hosts its Adult Health and Fitness Night. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in various fitness activities facilitated by staff and volunteers designed to educate adults in how to have fun and stay fit and healthy. The event will take place 6:30-8 p.m. and $5 pe r person.

Staff Updates  On September 16, Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center staff membeJrs ackie Person, Brenda Holloway, and Jamie Aylor attended the Creating the Future: Building a Whole Life for Adults in the Down Syndrome Community training. The training was very insightful and the group networked with other professionals in the Therapeutic Recreation field.

 On September 20, Recreation Services full time staff attended the Restorative Practices Training session, led by Sheri James, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coordinator for Alexandria City Public Schools. Restorative Practices are strategies used to repair the harm caused by negative behavior and can help reduce suspensions and improve the way discipline is handled in the school system and recreation programs. Training for part-time staff will take place on November 29.

5  September’s Employee of the Month is Javontae Campbell, Recreation Leader in the Sports Section. Javontae was recognized for his exceptional service, and the great rapport he’s built with sports program participants. “This is the reason why participants return, and it should be an example for other staff members”, explained Tamika Coleman, Regional Program Director, Youth and Sports Leagues.

Admin

 Recreation Services’ Spring FY17 Scorecard indicates a more than 40% increase registrations as compared to the previous year, with 1,193 more registrations yielding a 9% increase in revenue. This may be a reflection of more free and low cost drop-in activity participation now being recorded in RecTrac. Overall, the total revenue and number of active households reflect a 5% increase over the previous year.

Spring FY17 marked the highest Overall Satisfaction and Likelihood to Recommend scores to date. This, in con mbi ation with the steady household and revenue growth, make RPCA well-positioned for the FY18 program fee increases beginning in Summer 2017.

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*Reflects information managed using RecTrac

 Recreation Services’ Summer FY18 Scorecard indicates an overall 6% increase in revenue and continual and steady growth. The highlight of the Summer season was the many new market rate camps that were offered and met their registration minimums. In addition, reservation revenue exceeded the previous summer by more than $50,000, which represents a 37% increase.

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*Reflects information managed using RecTrac

(Number of registrations and revenue for summer does not include summer fi eld trips.)

8 City of Alexandria, Virginia

______MEMORANDUM

DATE: OCTOBER 19, 2017

TO: PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBERS

FROM: DINESH TIWARI, DEPUTY DIRECTOR - PARK OPERATIONS, RPCA

THROUGH: JAMES SPENGLER, DIRECTOR, RPCA

SUBJECT: PARK OPERATIONS MONTHLY UPDATE - VII

1. PARK AND FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

a. Park Maintenance  RPCA received a grant award of $19,506.00 from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to continue its “Adopt-A-Park” program in FY2018.  Staff, in cooperation with Arlington County, installed informational water markings along the commuter trail at Park. These markings will raise awareness and educate park users as to the aquatic life in Four Mile Run Creek. Watermarks at Four Mile Run  Four Mile Run Conservatory held a tree planting day at Four Mile Run Park adjacent to Dale Street Cora Kelly School. The group was able to plant a variety of fruit and nut trees.  The new Futsal court at William Ramsay is now open for public use and is a welcome addition to the amenities offered at the Recreation Center and Park.  Staff installed additional Watershed signage

to promote environmental education related to the William Ramsey Futsol Court stormwater management ponds (BMP's) and storm water pollutants.

b. Park Facilities Maintenance  Staff completed the implementation of the 5S (Six Sigma) Program at the Warehouse to improve productivity and safety. Staging areas, walking path, safety zones and other improvements have been done. A centralized “Red Tag” area has been created to stored discarded items for safe Cameron Run Watershed signs Page 1 of 7

disposal.  The centralized irrigation control system (Maxicom) is fully operational and is tracking irrigation needs, and alerting staff to any issues. The automated system uses weather stations to monitor watering needs to reduce overwatering at 28 park sites throughout the City. City Horticulturist is currently training to become a system Marker tape set for Staging area and administrator. foot traffic in warehouse.  CIP funded Security Enhancement Project at Recreation Centers and Torpedo Factory has been completed, including the installation of jimmy guards (door intrusion protection) at selected recreation centers’ secondary access doors, and Evacuation and Life Safety Maps at multiple locations within each facility.  Site Plan for the Ben Brennan ADA pathway connector project was approved and ready for the implementation Centralized Red Tag Area set in phase. warehouse.  Minnie Howard Restroom fabricator has been selected; fabricator scope of work and contract finalized; plans are currently in process  Angel Park’s ADA compliant pathway is completed. The pathway connects park amenities to the public sidewalk and to the nature trail.

c. Waterfront Parks  Power washing was completed along brick areas of the Angel Park’s new permeable pathway waterfront parks. Staff edged and applied mulch in unifies park amenities and provides ADA compliant access. gardens and tree wells throughout the area. Assistance was provided for several events including the King Street Art Festival.

 Waterfront staff also attended several training events, which covered a variety of subjects including equipment operation, leadership, and CPR/First Aid.

2. URBAN FORESTRY & HORTICULTURE

a. Urban Forestry Power washing Washington Way  The fall 2017 street tree planting program is underway. As Pocket Park of October 4, 48 trees were already planted and 114 trees were ordered. The goal of the 2017 fall planting program is to plant 350 trees. The purpose of the program is to replace trees that have been removed during the spring and summer, and to promote the planting of new trees along streets, and in parks throughout the City. City residents are encouraged to submit requests through the Call, Click, Connect, portal on the City’s website or by calling the City

Arborist Office. Fall native wildflowers in bloom at  Staff is working with the Virginia Tech Family Outreach the Telegraph and Duke Meadow Foundation and Bonnie Petry of the Wakefield-Tarleton Complex. Page 2 of 7

Civic Association on a PARKnership project to plant a memorial tree garden in honor of the victims of the April 16, 2007, shooting at Virginia Tech. The plan includes: planting of 32 trees (one for each victim) in a naturalized area at Chinquapin Park, near the community gardens, 4 memorial benches and a small, central gathering area in the middle of the memorial tree garden.  Installation of the holiday light display along the King Street corridor has begun. Approximately 150,000 lights will be placed in 250 trees along King, Washington, and Beautification Award to RPCA for Union Streets and around City Hall. The lights will be lit the 4-Mile Run Tidal Restoration Project during the week before Thanksgiving, and followed by the lighting of the holiday tree installed at Market Square on Friday November 24.

b. Horticulture - The Alexandria Beautification Commission and the Department of Recreation Parks and Cultural Activities held its annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 27 to recognize city residents, organizations, and businesses and community groups for their efforts in contributing to the beautification of the City of Alexandria. Mayor Allison Silberberg and members of City Council presented an award to the RPCA for Green Practices in Beautification for The Four Mile Run Tidal Restoration Project.

3. NATURAL LANDS MANAGEMENT

Grass-leaf Blazing Star. a. Invasive Plant Management and Ecological Restoration  Staff removed thousands of Oriental Bittersweet, Japanese Stiltgrass, Porcelain-berry, Oriental Bittersweet, Long- bristled Smartweed, and many other highly invasive weeds from Dora Kelley Nature Park, Chinquapin Park, Forest Park, and Timberbranch Parkway.  Staff supervised our contractor, Invasive Plant Control (IPC), with the treatment of Kudzu, Tree-of-Heaven, Porcelain-berry, Bush Honeysuckle, and other non-native invasive plants at Four Mile Run Park and Angel Park. RPCA Park(ing) Day at Market b. Cooperative Initiatives Square exhibit.

 Staff supplied and delivered native plants to the RPCA Park(ing) Day at Market Square exhibit on 9/15/2017.  On September 16, 2017, City Natural Resource Manager supervised and participated in Griffin Harris’ Eagle Scout Project at Charles Hill Park and St. Asaph Park. The project entailed planting a sustainable, native pollinator garden at the Charles Hill Park sign planter (planted 208 site-appropriate native wildflowers) and restored an area with native shrubs at St. Asaph Park (planted 18 Smooth Griffin Harris Eagle Scout Project. Sumac shrubs). Page 3 of 7

 On September 18, 2017, City Natural Resource Manager was a member of a panel discussion that followed the screening of Hometown Habitat: Stories of Bringing Nature Home at the Fairlington Community Center.  On September 20, 2017, staff met onsite at Dora Kelley Nature Park with Dominion Energy Power to discuss their proposal to trench and bury utility cables underground, transecting the park. It soon became apparent to Dominion

Power that numerous natural features in and along the Regionally rare Short’s Aster and footprint of the proposed project would be irreparably Syrphid Fly (Flower Fly). harmed. So, the Dominion Power staff withdrew this option immediately.

 On September 30 and October 1, 2017, City Natural Resource Manager led field trips to Ferry Hill, C&O Canal National Historical Park, for the Tri-State Native Plant Conference: Nature Knows No Boundaries; over 250 people attended the conference, nearly 60 attended the field trips.

c. Environmental Review  Staff reviewed the Beverly Park Landscaping Plan and provided comments as to Best Management Practices regarding site-appropriate, locally native species for planting.  Staff reviewed the Four Mile Run Connector Bridge Tree Planting Plan.  Staff reviewed the Ben Brenman Park ADA Connector Ramsay students writing about their Path tree planting proposal. animal observations  Staff reviewed the Eisenhower East, Hoffman Town Center, Blocks 4, 5, 6, and Paradigm, Transportation Study.

4. JEROME “BUDDIE” FORD NATURE CENTER

a. Programs/Updates For the month of September, there were 95 interpretive programs attended by 1,330 people. The combined total number of visitors and participants for September was 1,866

people. Children meet a box turtle in the Fledglings program School Programs: For the month of September, the Naturalist conducted 3 school-programs reaching 150 people.

September 14 - Fourth grade students from William Ramsay Elementary School came to the Nature Center for programs about “Observations.” Students rotated among four stations that were set up throughout the center. The focus of the program was how to use their senses when conducting an Page 4 of 7 observation. Live animals were brought out for the students to describe was they saw. Their favorite station was where the students blindly reached in “portholes” below the animal enclosures and had to describe what they were touching. Nothing too scary -- a pinecone, a rock, feathers, a snakeskin, and a deer antler.

Nature Center Programs: During the month of September, there were 5 birthday parties, 56 impromptu programs, a private school program, a girl scout program, 2 NOVA science classes, 2 weekday programs for preschool age children and 2 weekend programs. The total Bee hive under the beech tree behind participation for these programs was 822 people. the Nature Center  September 22- The first in our fall series of “Fledglings” programs began this month. The Naturalist read Eric Carle’s book “The Foolish Tortoise” to the children and their parents. Then, they were introduced to live turtles from the Nature Center’s collection. This was followed by a simple craft of dye-cut wooden turtles which they made into magnets.  September 23- The center conducted a weekend program all about “Bees.” This class, for children ages 7-to-11 years old, discussed the inner workings of a live bee hive and observed all of the activity at the Nature Center’s hive. The group learned the importance of bees in our lives and in the landscape. Finding a large sycamore leaf on the  September 28- Twenty-five pre-kindergarten students nature hike

along with their teachers and parent chaperones from St. Stephens/St. Agnes School came to the Nature Center for a program and hike. The children met native animals –box turtle, American toad, snapping turtle and DeKay snake. Following the indoor presentation, the group took an hour- long hike in Dora Kelley Nature Park. Their visit ended with a picnic on the Nature Center’s deck.

Outreach Programs:  September 19- The Naturalist attended “Back to School” Night at Polk Elementary School. With more than 250 parents and children attending this event, they learned all Families picnic on the deck after the morning Nature Center programs about what the Nature Center has to offer. There was great interest in the Nature Buddies Afterschool Program. The children enjoyed seeing the box turtle up close.  September 29- The Naturalist was asked to participant at Tucker Elementary School’s annual Career Day. Students learned that a Naturalist is a person who studies the natural environment and educated the public about the natural world around us. The third, fourth and fifth graders chose three of the 20 participants to visit with for the 30-minute

presentation. More than 100 students listened to the Food web activity with the Buddies

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Nature Center’s presentations.

Afterschool Buddies Program: This was the Nature Buddies’ first month of the new school year. There are a total of 19 children in the program with 12 returning from the previous year. The elementary schools represented are Polk, John Adams, Patrick Henry and Lyles Crouch. Each day, the children have been going on long hikes in Dora Kelley Nature Park and enjoying the beautiful weather. They are meeting the Nature Center’s collection of live animals as well as becoming familiar the many species that reside in our park. Throughout September, the students have been focusing on food chains and food webs. b. Volunteers and Interns

A total of 4 volunteers provided 38 hours of service during the Finding a native millipede on an month of September. afterschool hike c. Noteworthy Next time you visit the Nature Center, look to left when you enter the lobby and you will see a new painting on display. This latest contribution is a painting of as seen in Dora Kelley Nature Park. It was painted collaboratively by the

children and staff of the 2016/2017 Afterschool Nature Painting on view at the Nature Buddies program, and each child and adult is represented in Center’s entrance the painting.

For the past six months, the Nature Center has been offering an Adventure Pack for visitors to borrow before they hike in the park. This backpack contains binoculars, magnifying glass, magnifying bug container and three pocket identification guides-animal tracks, backyard birds, beetles. The packs can be checked out at the front and are free of charge (just leave a valid ID as a deposit). This is a popular and educational way to explore the park on your own.

The Nature Center has been undergoing a reorganization of four rooms off the main gallery to optimize our space. The Park Operations staff is coordination this renovation work. Visitors using binoculars from the Adventure Pack

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DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, PARKS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

FY 2018 Increase/ Decrease Program Performance Indicator FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 (AS OF (FY15/FY17) 9/30/17) Number Percent Number of Service Requests Initiated 1,015 1,109 1,027 506 12 1.2% (CCC) Number of Work Orders Initiated 1,541 1,945 1,830 703 289 18.8%

Number of Individual Trees Pruned * 1,920 1,914 1,744 263 (176) -9.2%

Number of Trees in Wooded Areas in 2,007 2,663 1,569 503 (438) -21.8% URBAN ROW's, Parks, and Natural Areas * FORESTRY Number of Trees Removed * 292 590 732 166 440 150.7%

Number of Trees Planted * 378 550 779 33 401 106.1%

Total Number of Trees Maintained (sum 4,597 5,717 4,824 965 227 4.9% of 4 items with * above) Number of Trees Inventoried (FY 2016 6,149 0 13,752 0 7,603 n/a Inventory Delayed Until July 2016) Total Number of Environmental 644 866 937 245 293 45.5% Education Programs Number of Persons Participating in 12,415 14,321 15,112 2,577 2,697 21.7% Programs

Number of Persons - General Visitation 7,228 10,093 8,533 1,975 1,305 18.1% NATURE Total Number of Persons Attending 19,643 24,414 23,737 4,369 4,094 20.8% CENTER Programs or Visiting the Nature Center

Revenue Generated by Nature Center $69,733.50 $89,001.00 $99,320.47 $9,882.00 29,587 42.4%

Number of Volunteers 124 117 152 10 28 22.6%

Number of Volunteer Hours 595 785 715 75 120 20.2% Total number of Parks and other properties receiving one or more 33 39 45 20 12 36.4% projects for active management Total number of documented projects 100 108 115 54 15 15.0% for active management of natural lands Total number of Invasive Plant 67 56 86 44 19 28.4% Management projects

Total number of acres of all project sites 274 241 300 41 26 9.4%

Total number of acres of invasive plant NATURAL 61 62 69 40 8 13.1% cover managed LANDS MGT. Total number of projects with contractor- 24 27 38 19 14 58.3% provided plant control services Total number of Volunteers utilized by 430 448 460 46 30 7.0% Natural Lands Management Section Total number of Volunteer hours dedicated to Natural Lands 1,650 1,885 1,920 370 270 16.4% Management projects Total number of Volunteer hours dedicated to Invasive Plant 1,390 1,010 1,030 66 (360) -25.9% Management projects Page 7 of 7

City of Alexandria, Virginia

MEMORANDUM

DATE: OCTOBER 19, 2017

TO: PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION EMBERS

FROM: JACK BROWAND, DIVISION CHIEF PARK PLANNING, DESIGN & CAPITAL PROJECTS

SUBJECT: PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION DIVISION UPDATE ITEM VII

AD HOC JOINT CITY-SCHOOLS FACILITY INVESTMENT TASK FORCE Project Manager: Bethany Znidersic, Principal Planner Last May City Council adopted a resolution establishing an Ad Hoc Joint City-Schools Facility Investment Task Force to oversee the development of a Joint City-Schools Facility Capital Improvement Plan and provide recommendations related to further capital project implementation. The Task Force held its first meeting in June and is charged with completing the charge of work by the end of the calendar year. The Task Force intends to present its work to date to City Council in late October/early November and a final report in December/January. All Task Force meetings and subcommittee meetings are open to the public and recorded. For additional information, visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/planning/info/default.aspx?id=97580

CHARLES BARRETT RECREATION CENTER PLAYGROUND RENOVATION Project Manager: Judy Lo, Urban Planner III Community outreach will commence this fall about proposed improvements to the Recreation Center Playground. The playground is located adjacent to the grass field and co-shared with ACPS. This renovation will replace aging/outdated play equipment, address drainage issues, improve fitness opportunities, identify planting improvements, and address accessibility. Community outreach will include surveys and community meetings.

ODBC DEMOLITION & INTERIM FITZGERALD SQUARE PARK Project Manager: Jack Browand, Division Chief The new ODBC Boat Club will receive it Certificate of Occupancy in late October or early November 2017. The City received several proposals for the demolition of the current ODBC Boat Club and the removal of the fencing and wall securing the current ODBC parking lot. It is anticipated that demolition will commence in late January or early February. Following demolition, preparations for construction of the approved interim park conditions will begin with completion is expected by summer/fall 2018. For additional information, visit the Project Website.

Page 1 of 3 BEVERLEY PARK RENOVATION Project Manager: Judy Lo, Urban Planner III Construction of renovations to Beverley Park, 520 North Overlook Drive continues. Remaining work includes the nature play area, rubberized safety surfacing, fencing, irrigation, and plantings. Weather permitting, substantial completion is anticipated by October 31. The park will re-open in November. For additional updates, visit the Project Website.

REBUILDING TOGETHER ALEXANDRIA LYNHAVEN/HUME SPRINGS PARTNERSHIP Project Manager: Dana Wedeles, Principal Planner The PARKnership program has partnered with Rebuilding Together Alexandria to improve 3550 Commonwealth Ave. and the Dale St. area of Four Mile Run Park. In September, Rebuilding Together Alexandria hired Landscape Architecture firm Rhodeside and Harwell to develop a design for 3550 Commonwealth, based on the Neighborhood Parks Improvement Plan. Staff are currently working on a design for a community garden at the Dale Street site. RPCA held a community meeting on October 11 and is currently asking for feedback on the Project Survey. Construction of both sites must be complete by November 2018, per the grant funding requirements.

RAMSAY TENNIS COURTS Project Manager: Robert Narvaez, Urban Planner II Renovation of existing tennis courts at 5700 Sanger Ave. has been completed. Renovations included cleaning and filling in any cracks, recoating the surface, lining the courts for tennis, pickleball and futsal. This is Alexandria’s first multiuse court. Project also included purchasing two sets of futsal goals. Project was completed October 10, 2017 and is open for use.

FORT WARD AND POWHATAN COURTS Project Manager: Robert Narvaez, Urban Planner II Rebuilding of the tennis and basketball courts at 4421 West Braddock Road and 1010 Douglas Street continues. Construction consists of milling and regarding the asphalt, install new asphalt, color coating relining and installation of fencing gates, basketball goals, tennis posts and netting. The tennis court at Powhatan Park will also be lined for futsal and goals installed. This tennis court will also have a movable tennis net. Anticipated completion in mid-November pending favorable weather conditions.

ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

• BEVERLEY PARK RENOVATION Project Manager: Judy Lo, Urban Planner III For aditiobnal informtion, see above. • FORT WARD TENNIS COURTS RENOVATION Project Manager: Robert Narvaez, Urban Planner II For additional inforation, see above. • POTOMAC YARD DOG PARK CONSTRUCTION Project Manager: Bethany Znidersic, Principal Planner For additional inforation, see above.

Page 2 of 3 • POWHATAN PARK COURT RENOVATION Project Manager: Robert Narvaez, Urban Planner II For additional inforation, see above. • HOLMES RUN PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE Project Manager: Dana Wedeles, Principal Planner For aditiobnal informtion, visit the Project Website • WARWICK POOL REPLACEMENT PROJECT Project Manager: Jack Browand, Division Chief For additional information, visit the Project Website. • WINDMILL HILL PARK SHORELINE PROJECT Project Manager: Jack Browand, Division Chief For additional information, visit the Project Website. • PATRICK HENRY K-8 SCHOOL & NEIGHBORHOOD RECREATION CENTER Project Manager: Jack Browand, Division Chief & Margaret Orlando, Division Chief For additional information, visit the Project Website.

Fort Ward Court Renovation Powhattan Park Court Renovation

William Ramsay Court Renovation

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